Further north, you're confronted by the survival challenges of the true desert. And who could resist the chance to 'noodle' for opals in Coober Pedy? Camp under the stars at one of the region's many well equipped camp-sites and caravan parks, then return to the comforts of civilisation at a heritage cottage, wilderness resort, underground hotel or updated outback pub.

Gauge the scale of this country by taking a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre that's part of the 100,000-hectare Flinders Ranges National Park. On the ground, there's a network of bushwalking tracks for all fitness levels. For a different sort of overview, check out Port Augusta's Wadlata Outback Centre, or board a Pichi Richi steam train from Quorn to Woolshed Flat and return (April through November).

While you don't need a 4WD vehicle to tour the region, the recent surge of interest in off-road driving has seen station owners between Wilmington and Arkaroola open up new tracts of land. Full and half day 4WD tag-along tours are widely available.

ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY

Arkaroola is a 63,000 hectare wilderness sanctuary providing caravan, camping, accomodation, ground air tours.
Its unusual geology minerals its astronomical observatory provide a nature science based experience, while its isolation appeals to the more adventurous.
Reservations not required.

Wadlata outback Centre

Port Augusta, a City of 14,527 people, is home to the Wadlata Outback Centre,
a major tourism attraction and an accredited Visitor Information Centre for the City, the Flinders Ranges and Outback of South Australia.